Depicting Durga in her most famous
narrative—slaying the buffalo demon, Mahisha—this
multi-limbed form of the goddess is a sculptural masterpiece.
Flanked by two slain demons, Durga is shown grasping with her
lower left hand the head of the demon that emerges from the
animal that she has just decapitated. The deity’s dynamism—especially
in this fearsome, all-powerful form—is balanced by the
delicacy of her features, adornments, and calm expression. Durga’s
right leg, raised above the ground and extended in an active
lunging pose, is supported by her animal companion (vahana),
the lion, who bends to her weight. The style of her large hoop
earrings and patterned wrapped skirt (dhoti) is characteristically
Newar in design.